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Friday, April 17

We love because

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

I recently came across a copy of my wedding program and had almost forgotten about one of the poems we included in it:

Because - Adelaide Procter

It is not because your heart is mine--mine only--Mine alone;It is not because you chose me, weak and lonely,For your own;Not because the earth is fairer, and the skiesSpread above youAre more radiant for the shining of your eyes--That I love you!

It is not because the world's perplexed meaningGrows more clear;And the Parapets of Heaven, with angels leaning,Seem more near;And Nature sings of praise with all her voicesSince yours spoke,Since within my silent heart, that now rejoices,Love awoke!

Nay, not even because your hand holds heart and life;At your willSoothing, hushing all its discord, making strifeCalm and still;Teaching Trust to fold her wings, nor ever roamFrom her nest;Teaching Love that her securest, safest homeMust be Rest.

But because this human Love, though true and sweet--Yours and mine--Has been sent by Love more tender, more complete,More divine;That it leads our hearts to rest at last in Heaven,Far above you;Do I take you as a gift that God has given----And I love you!

Readers

Even the darkness is not dark to you, and the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light are alike to you. For you formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works, and my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in your book were all written the days that were ordained for me; when as yet there was not one of them.